County Championship Division One, 2013: county-by-county preview for the forthcoming domestic season - Telegraph County Championship Division One, 2013: county-by-county preview for the forthcoming domestic season Telegraph Sport previews the County Championship Division One. Just champion: Warwickshire celebrate winning last year's County Championship Division One title Photo: GETTY IMAGES 11:49AM BST 09 Apr 2013 Derbyshire Last season: 1st in CC Div 2, T20 5th in group, CB40 4th in group Captain: Wayne Madsen Coach: Karl Krikken Ins: Ben Slater (Leeds/Bradford MCCU), Billy Godleman (Essex), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies), Richard Johnson (Warwickshire), Jonathan Marsden (academy) Outs: Garry Park, Matt Lineker, Hamza Siddique (released) The reputation: Full of Kolpak players, torn-apart by political in-fighting, awful ground and a county going nowhere that would be better off merging with neighbours Nottinghamshire.

The reality: Transformed under the coaching of Karl Krikken, the captaincy of Wayne Madsen and chairmanship of Chris Grant. The emphasis is on producing homegrown players and First Division cricket will be played at one of the most improved county headquarters for the first time in 13 years. Related Articles County Championship previews 09 Apr 2013 One to watch: Billy Godleman. Played for England Under-19s alongside the likes of Steven Finn and Chris Woakes but his career stalled at Essex. Derbyshire hope batting coach David Houghton can reinvigorate the left-hander. Verdict: Will be everyone’s hot tip to go straight back down but few expected them to win the Second Division title last season. Lack of reliable pace may be their weakness.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last season: 6th in CC Div 1, T20 3rd in group, CB40 5th in group Captain: Paul Collingwood Coach: Geoff Cook (director of cricket) Ins: Keaton Jennings Outs: Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), Michael Di Venuto, Ian Blackwell (both retired) The reputation: County champions in 2008 and 2009 and a big-spending club with star name players who can be expected to challenge for honours. The reality: Looked like a side growing old together at times last season and were heading for relegation until Paul Collingwood was appointed captain and turned them round in mid-season. One to watch: Ben Stokes. Blotted his copy book when he was sent home from the England Lions tour of Australia for disciplinary reasons but is a destructive middle order batsman and a handy seamer. Verdict: Could be a threat again if Steve Harmison, who was so out of favour last season that he was loaned out to Yorkshire, can regain form to lead the seam attack.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last season: 3rd CC Div 1; T20 Group stage; CB40 2nd Group A Captain: Chris Rogers Coach: Richard Scott Ins: Nick Gubbins (YTH), James Harris (Glam); Chris Rogers (Aus); Adam Voges (Aus for T20) Outs: Andrew Strauss (RET), Scott Newman (REL), Anthony Ireland (Leics), Robbie Williams (Leics), Tom Scollay (REL), Steven Crook (Northants) The reputation: Impressive pace-driven surge in championship marked steady improvement on 2012 after too many cringingly bad seasons The reality: Third place flattered the batters and inconsistencies in spinning and keeping departments proved expensive One to watch: James Harris, high grade gunpowder. Verdict: Their bristling 'gather ye rosebuds’approach could easily conjure up a title.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last season: 5th in CC Div 1, T20 quarter-finalists, CB40 4th in group Captain: Chris Read Coach: Mick Newell (director of cricket) Ins: Ajmal Shahzad (Yorkshire), Ed Cowan (Australia), David Hussey (Australia – T20 only) Outs: Karl Turner, Scott Elstone, Neil Edwards (released), Darren Pattinson (gave up domestic status) The reputation: A wealthy county who have bought their recent success by recruiting rather than developing their own players. The reality: Nottinghamshire do produce some of their own players, notably Samit Patel and Luke Fletcher, and Sam Wood, another academy product may get his chance this year. A rare quiet season last year. One to watch: Harry Gurney hinted at his potential last season in his first season at Trent Bridge and more to come from the former Leicestershire left-arm seamer. Verdict: Plenty of depth in batting but need their seamers to support Andre Adams who was almost a one man attack last season if they are to be championship contenders again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last season: 2nd in CC Div 1, T20 semi-finals, CB40 group stage Captain: Marcus Trescothick Director of cricket: Dave Nosworthy Coach: Andy Hurry The reputation: Will this be the season when Somerset finally cast off the tag of perennial bridesmaids. All round quality is good but not good enough The reality: If the likes of Marcus Trescothick and James Hildreth can score runs, Somerset will continue to be a serious threat, especially in the one-day form of the game. One to watch: George Dockrell provided genuine signs of his undoubted quality last season but this could be the summer when the Irish spinner comes of age Verdict: There or thereabouts again, but whether they have the all round bowling strength to back up their runs remains to be seen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last season: 7th CC Div 1; T20: Group stages; CB40: 2nd Group B Captain: Graeme Smith Coach: Chris Adams Ins: Graeme Smith (South Africa); Ricky Ponting (Australia, June-July);Vikram Solanki (Worcestershire), Gary Keedy (Lancashire) Outs: Mark Ramprakash (RET), Matt Spriegel (Northants), Tom Lancefield (REL), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Rory Hamilton-Brown (Sussex) The reputation: Plan to develop thrusting young side capable of restoring Surrey to podium suffered worst possible setback with death of Tom Maynard and all the attendant fall out from tragedy The reality: Imported experience in Smith, Solanki, Keedy and Ponting should put Surrey back on track with trophy celebrations set for 2014 One to watch: Ricky Ponting - one of the best players ever to grace the game will light up The Oval.

Verdict: Remarkable feats often spring from adversity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last season: 4th in CC Div 1; T20 semi-finallists; CB40 semi-finallists Captain: Ed Joyce Ins: Rory Hamilton-Brown (Surrey), Chris Jordan (Surrey) Outs: Murray Goodwin (Glam), Andy Hodd (Yorks), Kirk Wernars (RET), Naveed Arif, Will Adkin (REL) The reputation: Perennially plucky contenders in all formats with three championships and four one day trophies in past 10 years The reality: A team in tricky transition. New captain, new influx of 'rehabilitating’players with pivotal Prior and possibly Panesar away with England One to watch: Rory Hamilton Brown - badly wants success and has everything to prove Verdict: Will entertain punters but unlikely to make them rich in 2013.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last season: Winners CC Div 1, T20 4th in group, CB40 runners-up Captain: Jim Troughton Coach: Dougie Brown (director of cricket) Ins: Oliver Hannon-Dalby (Yorkshire), Freddie Coleman (Scotland), Sam Hain (Australia Under 19s) Outs: Andy Miller (Sussex), Richard Johnson (Derbyshire), Neil Carter (retired) The reputation: Big club, big ground and history of success having completed county cricket’s first treble in 1994. The reality: Sporadic success since six domestic titles were won between 1993 and 1995 but current squad are keen to leave their own legacy after winning the Championship last season. One to watch: Tom Milnes, seam bowling all-rounder who is a product of the Edgbaston academy. Started the season with career-best seven for 39 against Oxford students on Sunday. Verdict: Expect another strong challenge but Warwickshire are in danger of becoming victims of their own success having lost director of cricket Ashley Giles to England. Four of their seam bowlers are in the England senior or Lions set-up.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Last season: 2nd in CC Div 2, T20 runners-up, CB40 5th in group Captain: Andrew Gale Coach: Martyn Moxon (director of cricket) Jason Gillespie (coach) Ins: Andrew Hodd (Sussex), Jack Brooks (Northamptonshire), Liam Plunkett (Durham) Outs: Gerard Brophy (released), Ajmal Shahzad (Nottinghamshire), Oliver Hannon-Dalby (Warwickshire), Anthony McGrath (retired) The reputation: Dominated the County Championship in the early 1900s and again in the 1960s. If Yorkshire are strong, England are strong. The reality: Only one County Championship win since 1968 and that came back in 2001. Relegated two years ago but back in the top flight again this year. One to watch: Jack Brooks. The former Northamptonshire seamer was Yorkshire’s second-choice recruit behind James Harris but he took 43 wickets two years ago and played for England Lions.

Verdict: Capable of mounting a Championship title bid if Brooks stays fit and steps up to the First Division and Liam Plunkett recaptures the form that made him an England seamer. Most selected players per club in Telegraph Fantasy Cricket County County Championship Division One preview - BBC Sport BBC Sport County Championship Division One preview By Dave Bracegirdle BBC Radio Nottingham cricket reporter 6 Apr 2011 Read more about sharing. Chris Read led Nottinghamshire to the 2010 County Championship title County champions Nottinghamshire won the 2010 title in thrilling style on the final day of the first-class season - and I think they will go very close once again. They certainly have history on their side as the previous two county champions, Sussex and Durham, both won it in successive seasons - Sussex in 2006 and 2007, Durham in 2008 and 2009. And make no mistake, Nottinghamshire are desperate to win it again in 2011. Do not be fooled by their defeat by the MCC in the Champion County match, because in many ways Notts were penalised for their own good form on day one.

Batting-wise, Alex Hales has another year's experience under his belt and Samit Patel is as fit as I have ever seen him and is desperate for a big year. With the ball, Luke Fletcher is a giant of a guy. He has worked really hard in Melbourne over the winter and was the pick of the seamers in Abu Dhabi. Despite losing Ryan Sidebottom to Yorkshire , the seam bowling department is really strong. Andre Adams, last season's leading wicket-taker is back, Darren Pattinson flies in this week, Andy Carter, who was called up by England Lions, is a bright prospect, and Stuart Broad will be available for some of the early games. Then there's Ben Phillips , who has come in from Somerset. He has impressed over the winter and I think he will do really well at Trent Bridge. Somerset are going to be in contention again. To come second in all three competitions last summer was particularly unfortunate. They might have lost Phillips, but the way they have bolstered their pace attack with Steve Kirby and Gemaal Hussain , from Gloucestershire, and young Ireland left-arm spinner George Dockrell , has been impressive. How Lancashire fare will depend a lot on how they start the season.

If they start badly, they might struggle all season. Dave Bracegirdle BBC Radio Nottingham's cricket reporter Indian left-arm spinner Murali Kartik will go through sides in the second half of the season and Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis will be a threat early on. It was a surprise to see all-rounder Zander de Bruyn leave but they must feel their batting line-up is strong enough. James Hildreth and Jos Buttler are massive talents, and then there's Marcus Trescothick. They will go close. Yorkshire came third last season, but I think two other counties - Durham and Hampshire - will finish above them. The reason? Well, I think the Tykes will miss Jacques Rudolph a lot. The way he batted around Adam Lyth, Andrew Gale and Anthony McGrath helped hold them together and they will miss his weight of runs and his experience. A lot will then depend on England calls because if Tim Bresnan, Ajmal Shahzad and Adil Rashid play a lot of Division One cricket then they have a good chance. I like the way Hampshire have gone about their business over the winter.

South African fast bowler Friedel de Wet arrives and slow left-armer Danny Briggs has advanced, but the loss of leg-spinner Imran Tahir until late May at the earliest because of a broken thumb is a blow. With the experience of Dominic Cork as captain , and the quality of the batting they have at the top of the order in Michael Carberry, Jimmy Adams and Michael Lumb, I fancy their chances. I like the look of Durham as well. Graham Onions is back fit after missing the whole of last season and by all accounts bowled well in their warm-up games against Sussex. With Steve Harmison fit as well, if those two stay fit and fire then they could really rip through sides. Onions last played on England's tour of South Africa in the winter of 2009/10 At the other end of the table, it could be a real scrap to stay up. Newly-promoted Worcestershire are probably the bookies' favourites to finish in the bottom two and go down because their budget is so much smaller than those of their rivals. How Lancashire fare will depend a lot on how they start the season. If they start badly, they might struggle all season.

They will be playing their home games away from Old Trafford this season, and how they cope with playing at Liverpool could be interesting - it could prove to be a massive advantage or a disadvantage. It is good to see Stephen Moore back fit after missing the second half of last season with a dislocated shoulder. His runs will be key for them. Gary Keedy also bowled well for the MCC against Notts, but I consider them to be one of the weaker Division One sides. Warwickshire should have England pair Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell available for a few of their early games and, after struggling last season, I think the Bears need to make the most of the times they are available. If they can resolve their overseas situation - they could turn to Mohammad Yousuf as their scheduled overseas signing Younus Khan is set to tour the West Indies with Pakistan - then they could get enough runs to stay up. I will also be interested to see how William Porterfield does. He has done OK for Ireland and Gloucestershire, but now he has got to show he can score runs at Division One level. That leaves Division Two champions Sussex, who are likely to be without England wicketkeeper Matt Prior for most of he summer.

It will be interesting to see how much involvement Michael Yardy and Luke Wright have with England too, because they will be key figures for Sussex. They have re-signed Rana Naved-ul-Hasan and brought in South African left-arm quickie Wayne Parnell as their overseas players, and although I think they will finish in the bottom half, they should have enough to stay up. Dave Bracegirdle was talking to BBC Sport's Steve Marshall Share this page Cricinfo - England England The County Championship Timeline 1890-present The Secretaries of the major cricket-playing counties met at Lord's on December 16, 1889 to agree the fixtures for the following season. A meeting attended by Gloucestershire, Kent, Lancashire, Middlesex, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, Sussex and Yorkshire took place on the same day. This latter meeting agreed upon a method of deciding the order of merit between these first-class counties for the 1890 season. This was the birth of the first official County Championship. Prior to 1890, there were 'unofficial' county champions given the title by 'popular' or newspaper acclaim.

Conditions of play, points scored and Counties contesting the title 1890 - Gloucestershire, Kent, Lancashire, Middlesex, Nottinghamshire, Surrey, Sussex, Yorkshire compete in the Championship. Position decided by total points given by number of losses minus number of wins, draws are ignored. Each county played a maximum of 16 matches. 1891 - Somerset are included in the Championship. 1895 - Derbyshire, Essex, Hampshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire are included in the Championship. Each county play a minimum of 16 matches. 1896 - Position decided by total points (as previously) as a percentage of completed matches (i.e. excluding drawn games). 1899 - Worcestershire are included in the Championship. 1905 - Northamptonshire are included in the Championship. 1910 - Position decided by wins as a percentage of all matches played. 1911 - Position decided by total points scored as a percentage of possible points with 5 points for a win, 3 points for first innings lead in a drawn match, 1 point for first innings deficit in a drawn match.

1912 - Matches in which both sides did not complete the first innings counted as no result (as are matches not started). No result matches are not counted towards the possible points total. 1919 - Worcestershire did not compete. Position decided by wins as a percentage of all matches played. The Championship was played as two-day matches in this season, with extended hours of play on each day. 1920 - Worcestershire again compete in the Championship. Position decided by total points scored as a percentage of possible points with 5 points for a win, 2 points for first-innings lead in a drawn match. 1921 - Glamorgan are included in the Championship. 1922 - Each team to play at least 11 home and 11 away matches. In addition to the other scoring, 2.5 points are now awarded for a tie. 1924 - Each team to play at least 12 home and 12 away matches.

Position decided by total points scored as a percentage of possible points (matches in which not even a first innings result is obtained are ignored) with 5 points for a win, 3 points for first-innings lead in a drawn match, 2 points each for a tie on first innings in a drawn match and 1 point for first innings deficit in a drawn match. 1927 - Position decided by total points as a percentage of possible points (matches in which not even a first-innings result is obtained and under six hours' play are ignored) with 8 points for a win, 5 points for first-innings lead in a drawn match, 3 points for first-innings deficit in a drawn match, 4 points for a tie and for a match in which not even a first-innings result is obtained but in which more than six hours' play is possible. 1929 - Each team to play exactly 28 matches. Position decided by most points.

1931 - Position decided by most points with 15 points for a win, 7.5 points to each side in a match where the scores finish level, 5 points for first-innings lead in a drawn match, 3 points for first-innings deficit in a drawn match, 4 points to each side where the first-innings scores are level in a drawn match or where there is no result on first innings or where there is no play. 1932 - If no play is possible on the first two days, the match to be played under the one-day Laws with 10 points to the winner and 3 points to the loser. 1933 - Each team to play a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 32 matches. Position decided on percentage of points gained to points possible.

1938 - Position decided by dividing total points by number of matches played, with 12 points for a win, 6 points to each side if scores finish level, 4 points for first-innings lead in a drawn or lost match, 2 points to each side in a drawn match if first-innings scores level, if no play on the first two days, the match to be played under the one-day Laws with 8 points for a win. 1946 - Each team to play exactly 26 matches. Position decided by most points. 1950 - Each team to play exactly 28 matches. 1953 - Six points are awared only to the side batting when the scores finish level in a drawn game. 1957 - Two points for first-innings lead in a drawn or lost match, 2 bonus points for the team leading on first innings if it also scores faster by runs per over, where there is no play on the first two thirds of a match which is not played beyond the first innings, 8 points for the side leading on first innings.

1958 - Position decided by total points, if equal then by number of wins, if still equal then by bonus points. 2 bonus points for the team leading on first innings if it also scores faster by runs per over at the time of passing the opponent's score. 1960 - Teams may play either 28 or 32 matches. Position decided by average points per match, if equal then by greater percentage of wins, if still equal then by greater average of bonus points per match. 1961 - Teams are free to forfeit their second innings. Follow-on not allowed. 6 points for the team batting last in a drawn match unless an innings had been forfeited in which case 2 points. 1963 - Each team plays 28 matches.

Position decided with 10 points for a win, 5 points to each team for a tie, 5 points to the side batting when scores finish level in a drawn match, 2 points for first-innings lead, 1 point to each team when first innings tie, if there is no play in the first two-thirds of the match and the match is decided on first innings, 6 points to the team scoring most runs, 3 points to the side batting second in such a match if the scores finish level. 1966 - The first innings of some matches (102 out of the 238 played, the first 12 matches played by each county on a home and away basis) are restricted to 65 overs, normal play in the return matches and in any matches where teams meet each other only once in the season. Two points for first innings lead, 1 point each for scores level on first innings, these first innings points awarded whatever the result of the match. 1967 - 65 over restrictions abolished.

Position is decided by most points, if equal by most wins with 8 points for a win, 4 points each for a tie, 4 points for the side batting if the scores finish level in a drawn match, 4 points for first innings lead, 2 points each if scores level in first innings, 2 points go only to the side batting if the scores on first innings finish level in a drawn match and the two first innings are not completed, 2 points each for a draw. 1968 - Points changed to 10 points for win, 5 points each for a tie, 5 points for the side batting second in a drawn match if scores finish level. Bonus points for first 85 overs of each first innings: batting: 1 point for each 25 runs above 150 scored, bowling: 1 point for each 2 wickets taken. 1969 - Each team plays 24 matches. 1972 - Each team plays 20 matches.

1973 - Bonus points: batting: 75 runs in first 25 overs, 1 point, 150 runs in first 50 overs, 2 points, for each 25 runs over 150 in first 85 overs 1 point, bowling: unchanged. 1974 - The first two innings restricted to 200 overs with the team batting first being restricted to 100 overs and any overs unused by the team batting first being added to the allocation for the team batting second. Bonus points: batting: 150 runs, 1 point, 200 runs, 2 points, 250 runs, 3 points, 300 runs, 4 points, bowling: 3 wickets, 1 point, 5 wickets, 2 points, 7 wickets, 3 points, 9 wickets, 4 points.

1975 - Bonus point: batting: unchanged, bowling: 3-4 wickets, 1 point, 5-6 wickets, 2 points, 7-8 wickets, 3 points, 9-10 wickets, 4 points. 1977 - Each team plays 22 matches. 12 points awarded for a win. Sponsored by Schweppes. 1979 - Six points each awarded for a tie, 8 points to the side batting in a drawn match where the scores finish level. 1981 - The 200 overs limit on the first innings is abolished. 16 points awarded for a win, 8 points each for a tie, 8 points to the side batting in a drawn match where the scores finish level. 1983 - Each side plays 24 matches. 1984 - Sponsored by Britannic Assurance. 1988 - Each side plays 22 matches, including 6 four-day matches. 1989 - Provision to impose a 25-point penalty for a sub-standard pitch. 1992 - Durham are included in the Championship.

1993 - Bonus points awarded for achievements only in the first 120 overs of the first innings. Batting: 200 runs, 1 point, 250 runs, 2 points, 300 runs, 3 points, 350 runs, 4 points. Each side plays 17 matches, all four-day. 1995 - In addition to the 25-point penalty for a pitch unsuitable for first-class cricket, a penalty of 10 or 15 points may be deducted for a poor pitch. In a one-innings match, a tie gives 6 points each and the side batting second in a drawn match scores 6 points. 1997 - A match abandoned without a ball being bowled now scores 3 points to each side. 1999 - 12 points for a win, four points for a draw. Now sponsored by ppp Healthcare.

2000 Div 1 2000 Div 2 Bonus points awarded for the first 130 overs: Batting 200 runs, 1 point, 250 runs, 2 points, 300 runs, 3 points, 350 runs, 4 points, 400 runs, 5 points. Bowling 3 wickets, 1 point, six wickets, 2 points, nine wickets, 3 points. Penalty for poor pitches reduced to 8 points, with the provision that this penalty be increased to 12 points if the county has prepared a poor or unfit pitch in the previous 12 months. The Championship splits into two divisions of nine teams each team playing 16 matches. the first promotions - relegations take place at the end of the season. 2001 Div 1 2001 Div 2 - CricInfo sponsors the competition, henceforth known as the CricInfo Championship.

Bonus points awarded for the first 130 overs: Batting 200 runs, 1 point, 250 runs, 2 points, 300 runs, 3 points, 350 runs, 4 points, 400 runs, 5 points. Bowling 3 wickets, 1 point, six wickets, 2 points, nine wickets, 3 points. If penalty runs are awarded to a team which at that time had faced less than 130 overs in their first innings, or completed their first innings before they had faced 130 overs, those penalty runs will be considered as counting towards the total as far as the award of bonus points is concerned. If penalty runs are awarded to a team which had already faced 130 overs or more in their first innings, or had previously completed their first innings after they had faced 130 overs, those penalty runs will be not be considered as counting towards the total as far as the award of bonus points is concerned. 2002 - Frizzell County Championship.

County Championship preview - Telegraph County Championship preview County-by-county guide to the First Division Dashing blade: Michael Vaughan needs to score runs for Yorkshire to regain his England place Photo: GETTY IMAGES By Simon Briggs, Paul Bolton and Huw Turbervill 7:45PM BST 14 Apr 2009 Durham Overseas players David Warner (Australia), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) In Ian Blackwell (Som), Scott Borthwick (Academy) Out Garry Park (Derbys), Gary Scott In their sights The county champions start as favourites to repeat their success, but it won't be easy. "You can't just stay at the same level and expect to win again," said Smith. "You have to be one step ahead, or more, of where you were last year. A lot of the counties who won the title in the past struggled to keep up the pace, and sometimes they even ended up relegated the following season." Related Articles 13 Apr 2009 Potential pitfalls Durham's seam attack has even more depth and penetration than Yorkshire's used to. But Smith must expect more from his batsmen, especially the English ones.

Top of the bill Australian whizzkid David Warner should set the scoreboard spinning during the Twenty20 Cup. Ashes bolter Where do you start? Most of Durham's quicks have a chance – especially Liam Plunkett, Graham Onions and Mark Davies. Cricket crunch? Rather than having a single club sponsor, Durham have sold three separate packages to spread the risk. Ticket prices for games at the Riverside have been frozen in all competitions this season. Hampshire Overseas players Marcus North (Australia), Imran Tahir (Pakistan) In Dominic Cork (Lancs) Out Michael Brown (Surrey), Nantie Hayward, Greg Lamb, Kevin Latouf, Richard Morris, Rory Kleinveldt In their sights They have finished well for four years running, but have not won the title since 1973. "We need more from our batters if we're going to get there," said White. They need to start better too: in 2008, they were bottom until August. Potential pitfalls The loss of steady opener Michael Brown puts more pressure on Michael Carberry, who trained with Dwain Chambers over the winter to improve his running between the wickets.

Top of the bill Leg-spinner Imran Tahir took 44 wickets in seven championship games last year. Now he is due to play 13. Could he be the new Mushtaq Ahmed? Ashes bolter Dominic Cork? Only joking. How about James Tomlinson, the leading first-class wicket-taker of 2008, who is a Ryan Sidebottom-style left-arm seamer. Cricket crunch? A £47 million development is under way at the Rose Bowl, including a golf course, a hotel and two new stands. The project is still on course. Lancashire Overseas players Ashwell Prince (South Africa), VVS Laxman (India) In Adrian Shankar (Cambridge UCCE), Simon Kerrigan, Steven Cheetham (both academy) Out Dominic Cork (Hants), Stuart Law (Derbys), Iain Sutcliffe (retd), Simon Marshall In their sights A new captain and coach but the challenge will still be to win the championship outright for the first time since 1934. "Why would you start a season trying to hold?" said Moores. "It's like playing for a draw, and that's when you lose.

You have got to play for the win because that's the fun." Potential pitfalls Spin bowling. Gary Keedy struggled last season and fellow left-armer Kerrigan may need time to mature. The squad is young and largely untried. Top of the bill Sajid Mahmood will spearhead the attack when Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson are with England. Ashes bolter Paul Horton. Compact and well-organised opening batsman who is on the upgrade.. Cricket crunch? A profit of £258,664 and the first phase of a £200 million redevelopment suggest that all is well. But with no Ashes Test a tougher year lies ahead. Nottinghamshire Overseas player Adam Voges (Australia) In Ali Brown (Surrey), Jason Brown (Northants), Andrew Carter (Lincs), Akhil Patel (Derbys) Out AJ Harris (Leics), Rob Ferley (Kent), Gareth Clough In their sights Winning a trophy would represent an improvement on last season's two near misses. "Our most successful aspect last season was our seam bowling, but our top-order batting is where we have got to show the most improvement," said Newell.

The two Browns add depth and experience to a squad that could lose Graeme Swann to England. Potential pitfalls Psychological scars from rea misses in championship and Pro-40 last year. Top of the bill Darren Pattinson. Controversial pick for England at Headingley last year but a consistent county seamer. Ashes bolter Patel, provided he can improve his fitness. His return to the performance squad suggests he has served his penance. Cricket crunch? A pre-tax profit of £148,000 despite spending £8.2 million on developments, but a tougher year with no Test. Somerset In Josh Butler, Adam Dibble, Chris Jones, James Burke (all academy) Out Ian Blackwell (Durham), John Francis and Keith Parsons (both retd), Andy Sutton In their sights Still seeking their first title having faltered in last season's final round, but have enough depth in batting and seam bowling to challenge again. "We've under-sold ourselves in one-day cricket and we've done a lot of work on thatr," says Brian Rose, the director of cricket.

Potential pitfalls Blackwell's departure has weakened the spin bowling, though it will create chances for leg-spinners Michael Munday and Max Waller. Top of the bill Marcus Trescothick . The former England opener looked at ease on the county circuit after he announced his retirement from international cricket last season. Will enjoy himself again on Taunton's flat pitches. Ashes bolter James Hildreth. If he can start turning some of those promising starts into big centuries. Cricket crunch? Not in Taunton where a record profit of £4.4 million was announced. The figure is greater than all the county's previous profits combined. But sale of land was largely responsible and Somerset actually made a trading loss last season. Sussex In Ed Joyce (Middx), Joe Gatting (academy), Pepler Sandri Out Mushtaq Ahmed, Chris Adams (both retd) In their sights After three championships in five years, plus the Pro40 title last season, Sussex have high expectations. But the departure of Adams robs them of the most dynamic county captain since Adam Hollioake. Yardy has a tough act to follow, especially as Mushtaq has also left the building.

Potential pitfalls The seam bowling is likely to struggle early, as Arafat will be tied up with Pakistan, Jason Lewry has developed glandular fever and Corey Collymore is still waiting for a visa. "The amount of paperwork required these days is horrendous!" says Robinson. Top of the bill Luke Wright, a dangerous all-rounder who remains close to the England squad. Ashes bolter Gatting, on the basis of his genes. He is nephew of Mike and son of Steve, who played in the 1983 FA Cup final. Probably not until 2013, though. Cricket crunch? Redevelopment plans, based on benefactor Spen Cama's £12 million bequest, are on ice.

Warwickshire Coach Ashley Giles Overseas player Jeetan Patel (New Zealand) In Ateeq Javid (academy), Keith Barker (Lancashire league), Shaaiq Choudry (Leeds/Bradford UCCE), Rikki Clarke (Derbys) Steffan Piolet (academy) Out Tim Groenewald (Derbys), Lee Daggett (Northants), Ian Salisbury (retd), Stuart Hole, Luke Parker, Nick James, Michael Powell. In their sights "We don't want to ease into the First Division and just survive, we want to try win the championship," says Allan Donald, Warwickshire's bowling coach. "The message is clear." Potential pitfalls Talented but inexperienced seam attack and lack of depth in spin. Top of the bill Ian Bell (below). Faces a stint back in county cricket after losing his Test place. Bell is determined that his exile will be a short one and that could be bad news for first-division attacks. Ashes bolter Chris Woakes, Warwickshire's leading championship wicket-taker last season and impressive on an ECB seam bowling camp in India during the winter. He is in England's preliminary World Twenty20 squad. Cricket crunch?

Reported a profit of £447,703 last year and hope to double it in Ashes year. Worcestershire Overseas player Ashley Noffke (Australia) In Ian Fisher (Gloucs), Imran Arif Out Graeme Hick (retd) In their sights Worcestershire have been relegated after one season each time they have been in the first division but this squad is capable of more. "We are a stronger bowling attack," said Rhodes, "and this could be one of the reasons why we might do a bit better." Potential pitfalls Much depends on Simon Jones, Matt Mason and Noffke staying fit and all have had their share of injury problems recently. Moeen Ali carries a heavy burden of responsibility as the man expected to replace Hick in the top order. Top of the bill Kabir Ali, consistent wicket-taker whose record deserves more than one England Test cap. Ashes bolter Stephen Moore. Leading run-scorer in the country last year and impressed on the Lions tour to New Zealand in the winter. "He's thorough in his preparation, he's got the desire to get the best out of himself and he has the mental strength to succeed," says Rhodes. Cricket crunch?

Worcestershire turned a loss of £693,000 in 2007 into a record profit of £359,856 last year. They lost their main sponsor when electrical retailer Apollo 2000 collapsed but replaced them yesterday with the Cotswold Group. Yorkshire Cricket Cricket Cricket Worcestershire County Cricket Club represents the English county of Worcestershire as part of the English and Welsh domestic cricket establishment. The club is one of 18 major county clubs, and has a rich history within the English and Welsh cricket scene. Worcestershire County Cricket club can be traced back to its official formation in 1865, at the Star Hotel in Worcester. After early successes in the then-newly established Minor Counties Championship, including winning the championship in 1896, 1897, 1898 and sharing the title with Norfolk and Durham in 1895, Worcestershire County Cricket Club applied for 1st class status and in 1899 entered the County Championship, having been formed a few years earlier, in 1890.

The club played its first 1st class match against Yorkshire County Cricket Club, between 4th and 6th May 1899. The County Championship, then consisting of 15 teams, was a fresh challenge to the club, and the club met with only modest success around the turn of the century. While the team’s batting went from strength to strength in the early years, the team’s lacklustre bowling performance continued to hold the team back from major success. The weak performance meant the club didn’t compete in the County Championship in 1919, and upon the club’s return in 1920, they lost three games in succession by an innings and over 200 runs. Their initial poor performance continued until the early 1930s, when the arrival of Dick Howarth and Reg Perks brought the club’s bowling standard back up to County level. The club then continued to perform modestly until the 1960s, when a slew of top-tier players brought the club to the top level of County cricket, and Worcestershire County Cricket club managed to win the County Championship in both 1964 and 1965.

Players such as Norman Gifford, Tom Graveney, Jack Flavell, Len Coldwell and Basil D'Oliveira, as well as President Sir George Dowty and Captain Don Kenyon, were instrumental in the club’s exceptional performance during this era. Throughout the next few decades, Worcestershire County Cricket Club saw several periods of success, including winning the County Championship in 1974, 1988 and 1989, thanks in part to the extraordinary talent of players like Ian Botham and Graeme Hick. The club then saw mixed success for the next few decades, including another trophy in 1994, but also relegation to the second division in 2007, and again in 2009 after briefly moving back up to the first division. Worcestershire County Cricket Club was finally promoted back to the first division in 2010, following a win on the last day of the season against Sussex. County Championship: Yorkshire start season against Hampshire - BBC Sport BBC Sport County Championship: Yorkshire start season against Hampshire 2 Dec 2015 Read more about sharing.

Yorkshire only lost once in the County Championship in 2015 Yorkshire's attempt to win a third successive County Championship title will begin with a home fixture against Hampshire on 17 April. The Championship starts a week earlier on 10 April with promoted Surrey facing Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. The White Rose county will launch the season on 20 March when they play against the MCC in Abu Dhabi. The NatWest T20 Blast starts on Friday, 20 May and the Royal London One-Day Cup on Sunday, 5 June. Opening round of Championship fixtures - 10 April Division One Hampshire v Warwickshire Northamptonshire v Sussex The basic format for the summer remains unchanged, with most Championship fixtures starting on Sundays and the majority of T20 Blast games on Friday evenings. One big change will see the mandatory coin toss scrapped in both Championship divisions with the visiting captain being offered the opportunity of bowling first. If he declines, the toss will take place as normal. If he accepts, there will be no toss.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has an insight into Yorkshire's opening fixture The opening round of Championship games will also see 2008, 2009 and 2013 champions Durham take on Somerset and Hampshire, who avoided relegation on the final day of the 2015 season, play Warwickshire in Division One. In Division Two, relegated Worcestershire face Kent at New Road, and Sussex, who also went down, travel to Northants. Essex, who will begin the season under a new head coach following Paul Grayson's departure in September, play Gloucestershire at Chelmsford. The second round of Division One games sees Yorkshire play Hampshire at Headingley, while Lancashire get their campaign under way against Nottinghamshire who will have Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle available. Yorkshire, who were the last side to win three titles in a row from 1966-1968, face Lancashire in the first Roses match of the summer at Headingley on 29 May, with the reverse fixture at Old Trafford beginning on 13 August.

Key dates 17 September: One-Day Cup Final 20 May: T20 Blast begins 20 September: Final round of Championship games start 5 June: One-Day Cup gets under way Lancashire, the reigning T20 Blast champions, start their defence of that trophy against Derbyshire on Saturday, 21 May, with the two nine-team North and South groups unchanged from 2015. Beaten finalists Northants, who will be without England all-rounder David Willey following his move to Yorkshire, face a trip to three-time Twenty20 winners Leicestershire. The final round of 14 group games takes place on Friday, 29 July, with the quarter-finals taking place from 8-11 August. Edgbaston will play host to finals day for the eighth time on Saturday, 20 August, nine days earlier than this summer.

Lancashire beat Northants by 13 runs in the 2015 T20 Blast Final The group stage of the 50-over One-Day Cup will be split over a couple of fortnights - one between 5-15 June and the other from 24 July - 2 August - with the groups made the same as those in the T20 Blast. The final at Lord's, which saw Gloucestershire beat Surrey by six runs in 2015, is on Saturday, 17 September. It comes before the last round of Championship fixtures, starting on 20 September, in which Yorkshire visit Middlesex - the only side to beat Jason Gillespie's men in first-class cricket in 2015. Fixtures by competition County Championship Week Eleven - Statistical Round up County Championship Week Eleven - Statistical Round up by Manuj Sharma Friday 1 July 2016 Mark Stoneman needs just 58 more runs to reach 7000 runs in first-class cricket. ©REUTERS / Action Images At the end of the 10th week, Lancashire and Kent have consolidated their positions at the top of the Division One and Division Two points table respectively.

With the 11th week upon us, let us take a look at the key statistics. Specsavers County Championship Division One Surrey v Warwickshire Against Surrey, Warwickshire have not lost a game in the last four encounters. Against Warwickshire, Surrey have not claimed a win in the last seven home games. However, Surrey are currently on an unbeaten streak of eight home matches. In Surrey’s last game against Nottinghamshire, Zafar Ansari took a career-best six wickets for 36 runs in the second innings. Durham v Hampshire In the last five games against Durham, Hampshire have not registered a defeat. At home, Durham have not won their last two games against Hampshire. Nevertheless, Durham are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak at home. Mark Stoneman needs just 58 more runs to reach 7000 runs in first-class cricket. Meanwhile, Chris Rushworth will reach 300 first-class wickets with five more scalps. Nottinghamshire v Lancashire At home against Lancashire, Nottinghamshire have lost just once in the last six encounters. However, Lancashire have won just once in their last six games against Nottinghamshire. That win came earlier this season.

Nottinghamshire are currently without a win in their last eight games. Nottinghamshire’s Jake Ball needs four more wickets to reach the landmark of 100 first-class wickets. Yorkshire v Middlesex In the last three encounters between the two sides in Yorkshire, the hosts claimed a victory. In their last 42 matches, Yorkshire have lost just twice. Those two defeats came against Middlesex. In their last 17 games, Middlesex have just one defeat. James Franklin of Middlesex needs 28 more runs to complete 9000 first-class runs. His teammate, Sam Robson will scale the 7000-run mark in first-class cricket with 18 more runs. Specsavers County Championship Division Two Sussex v Glamorgan In the last four games against Glamorgan, Sussex have not tasted defeat. At home, Sussex have not been beaten by Glamorgan since 1975. During this period, they have played 15 games and won six. Sussex have not been defeat in this summer, but out of seven games, they have drawn six matches. Graham Wagg of Glamorgan needs one more scalp to complete 400 wickets in first-class cricket.

Essex v Kent Kent have defeated Essex just once in the last eight encounters. However, that win for Kent came in their most recent encounter. Against Kent at home, Essex are on an unbeaten four-game streak. Kent, on the other hand, have not been defeated in their last 12 encounters. Jesse Ryder will complete 8000 first-class runs if he scores 75 more. Essex’s Jaimie Porter requires four more scalps to take 100 wickets in first-class cricket. Worcestershire v Leicestershire Against Leicestershire, Worcestershire have not been defeated in their last five games. At home against Leicestershire, Worcestershire have just one defeat in 14 matches. In the last 24 Division Two games, Worcestershire have lost only four encounters. In their second innings against Worcestershire earlier this season, Leicestershire were bowled out for 43 runs, their second lowest total in this century. Derbyshire v Northamptonshire Against Derbyshire, Northamptonshire have not won in the last five attempts. Eight of the last 10 games involving Derbyshire have ended in a draw.

Similarly, Northamptonshire have also drawn 11 out of the last 12 encounters. Shiv Thakor of Derbyshire will reach the landmark of 50 first-class wickets with three more scalps. Stats from Opta County Championship - Tykes win Roses match - Live - BBC Sport Worcestershire 439 & 239 v Gloucestershire 364-6 dec & 310-5 Posted at 17:46 1 Jun Jack Taylor collects two to bring up the 150-run partnership but gets underneath the next delivery and is lucky as the ball falls short of Joe Leach and he takes the single. Michael Klinger plays a thoroughbred on-drive for four to join Taylor in the 90s before yielding the strike back to his partner, who duly smashes his fifth six to bring up a 71-ball hundred. Magnificent innings. The final delivery of Charlie Morris' over is a long-hop and Taylor clears the rope again. Gloucestershire are almost there - five more needed, 11 overs to go.

Share YORKSHIRE BEAT LANCASHIRE BY 175 RUNS Yorkshire 308 & 236 v Lancashire 196 & 173 Posted at 15:39 1 Jun Getty Images Apologies for the technical problems which prevented me from updating this page for the last few minutes. Very bad timing as Yorkshire have taken the last two Lancashire wickets to wrap up a convincing victory and extend their unbeaten Championship record at Headingley to 20 matches. Karl Brown was first go, caught at cover off Tim Bresnan for 51, and spinner Adil Rashid then had Kyle Jarvis lbw. He finished with 4-17 from 14.4 overs, while Bresnan claimed 4-36. The two teams now head the Division One table on 88 points, with Lancashire in first place by virtue of having won one game more. Durham are a point back in third with Middlesex, who beat Hampshire by an innings earlier today, on 86 points in fourth.

Share MIDDLESEX BEAT HANTS BY AN INNINGS & 116 RUNS Middlesex 467-3 dec v Hampshire 131 & 220 Posted at 14:37 1 Jun Hampshire's resistance at Northwood comes to an end as last-man James Tomlinson is caught at slip off spinner Ollie Rayner. Ryan McLaren is left unbeaten on 33, while pace bowler James Fuller returns figures of 5-70. Middlesex take 24 points from the game and move up to second in Division One, just a single point behind Durham, pending the outcome of the Roses match at Headingley. Hampshire only collect a solitary point from their second defeat of the summer. Share 2009 County Championship | English Domestic Cricket Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Danish Kaneria .(75 for Essex ) The 2009 County Championship season, known as the LV County Championship for sponsorship reasons, was the 110th County Championship season. It was contested through two divisions: Division One and Division Two. Each team played all the others in their division both home and away.

The top two teams from Division Two were promoted to the first division for the 2010 season, while the bottom two sides from Division 1 were relegated. Durham County Cricket Club won the Championship for the second consecutive season. Worcestershire and Sussex were relegated from Division One, with Kent and Essex promoted in their place. Contents

Question: Who won the cricket county championship in both 2008 and 2009?
Answer: Durham